A step backwards or good enough?

With the new Sony Alpha SLT-A58, Sony consolidates its entry-level dSLR models into one camera that sounds like a mixed bag for the money; debuting at the same list price as the higher-end A57, it actually seems to take a couple steps back from that model in what it delivers, even compared with the cheaper A37, which it also replaces.

On the upside, the A58 incorporates a new sensor and updated image processor with area-specific noise reduction, and which Sony says delivers better dynamic range, which in theory should deliver better image quality. It also introduces an expanded implementation of the camera's Auto Portrait Framing feature (introduced in the NEX-F3), which can now detect a two-person portrait and generalizes to objects and macro shots. One intriguing new feature is Lock-on AF, which uses scene analysis to determine the target subject and then expands the relevant clump of autofocus points to lock the entire object in focus rather than just the area under selected AF points.

But in other ways you're losing some capabilities. Continuous shooting specs drop below the A37, from 5.5fps to 5fps and for fewer shots (the 8fps number Sony quotes is for Tele-zoom Cont. Advance Priority AE, a reduced-resolution, fixed-exposure burst mode). The LCD is smaller, lower-resolution and tilting instead of fully articulated as on the A57, and just a hair larger than that of the A37.

The camera will ship in a kit with an updated version of the 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 lens; the lens has a new cosmetic design and a quieter autofocus motor for shooting video.

Here's what you can get for roughly the same money from Canon and Nikon:

This is where it gets interesting. Compared to what Sony offered before, the A58 is a bit disappointing. But it's still somewhat better than alternatives, which tend to be last year's models or older. The A58 looks to have faster continuous shooting, better-coverage viewfinder, and I suspect a more usable autofocus-system implementation.

It also leaves a big gap between the entry-level model and the more capable SLT-A65, which comes in at just under $800. Then again, that camera's due for replacement, and it's possible that Sony will apply the same strategy and introduce a model that's cheaper with some tradeoffs.

Along with the camera, Sony announced an updated version of the HVL-F20AM flash unit, the HVL-F20M, compatible with the company's new hot-shoe design.

And for the pro set, the Zeiss Planar T 50mm f1.4 ZA SSM which previewed at Photokina last year is now a real thing, costing a very real $1,499.99. There's also an updated version of the 70-400mm f4-5.6 SSM II which gains improved coatings and some cosmetic changes. That lens goes for $2,999.99.